News & Updates:

Community Mini-Food PantryLeave what you can.Take what you need. ​There is a makeshift/temporary food pantry set up out front of Grace Episcopal Church. If you have spare food that you would like to share, please leave inside the drawers. If you need some food, please help yourself to what you need.

All In-Person Gatherings placed on hold during covid-19 pandemic.

I continue to give God thanks and praise for you. It is such an honor and joy to serve as your priest-in-charge.

I am reaching out to you today in regards to Grace Episcopal’s practices as we continue to respond to the current COVID-19 / coronavirus pandemic. Over the past few weeks we have already begun adapting our practices to best keep all parishioners safe.

My desire is to promote health for our entire community while also being a sign of peace and hope for all. This requires a balance of being well-informed, engaging in practices that avoid possible contaminations, all the while trying to not perpetuate fear or anxiety. I believe our challenge is to respond with love in the hope that is given to us through the Resurrected Jesus, trusting in God’s provisions, and acting with prudence.

Thursday evening Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe had an online meeting with all clergy members giving us instructions on what to do if we are to continue to meet and also to give each of us agency to cancel or change services and all other church gatherings as we individually deem necessary.

Initially I had hoped that we would be able to meet this Sunday, even if it would be our last in-person gathering for the next few weeks. But after learning that the local schools are now closing down, I believe it is best to follow suit at this time. This was a hard decision for me to make but I do not want to put anyone at risk. It is for this reason that I will be canceling all in-person gatherings at Grace Episcopal until further notice.

Beginning Monday morning, I will offer Morning Prayer (9:30am) and Evening Prayer (5:00pm) via video on our Facebook page. This will include Sunday services beginning 3/22. You can access this even if you do not have a Facebook account either live or at any point afterwards.https://www.facebook.com/GraceElmira/?rf=121670321176893

While we are encouraged to practice social distancing at this time to limit the spread of the virus and other germs that could compromise one’s immune system, I invite each of us to think of creative ways that we can serve our community. Please keep in mind those who are most likely to suffer from isolation, those who need childcare, neighbors who may not have access to food, or those who may have other needs. In the coming week, I will be sending out suggestions of ways that we can safely and effectively be the love and light of Christ in the world during this dark time.

It is my prayer that while we are momentarily limited on being church in person, that this season gives us opportunities to examine with fresh eyes and a hopeful heart just what it means to be Crhist’s Church in Elmira, in New York, and in the world. May new life spring forth.

If you or anyone you know is in any kind of need, please do not hesitate to email or call me. jenny@graceelmira.org or 570-664-1929 (This is a cell phone so you can call or text as you prefer).

May God the Father surround us with Peace; may the Great Physician keep us in good health; may the Spirit of Truth guide us in wisdom; and may we all remain in the Hope that is always offered to us through the Holy Trinity. Amen.

Heaps of Blessings,Jenny+

Priest-in-ChargeGrace Episcopal ChurchElmira, NY

New Priest-in-ChargeGrace is thrilled to announce our new Priest-in-Charge, Mother Jenny Scott. February 16th will be Mother Jenny's first Sunday service. A meet and greet & light lunch will follow this week. All are welcome. ​

If you are local and would like to borrow a BCP to pray with, please reach out to Mother Jenny.

​Grace's Thrift StoreWe are accepting donations for our Thrift Store. Clean, washed, and non-stained children's clothing, children's toys, and children's furniture much appreciated. Small appliances in working condition accepted and small furniture. We accept donations M-W from 9AM-1PM. If you need to schedule a drop off outside of the office hours, please call and leave a message, and we will make an appointment for you.